As I look back on my journey through the first two modules of the IMD MBA, I find myself evolving far beyond my expectations not only academically, but also personally. The rigorous and intense study schedule has taught me the art of saying no, enabling me to manage my time and energy more effectively. This newfound balance has allowed me to resume running, an activity I deeply enjoy. I even found a running buddy right here in Lausanne – a city known for its Olympic heritage – who matches my pace.
Over the weekend, I participated in the 20km de Lausanne event. Despite the rain and crowds, I managed to achieve my personal best in Sunday’s 10km with minimal pre-race training. This experience underscored a vital lesson I have learned at IMD: surrounding yourself with exceptional people pushes you to accelerate your development journey. This is exactly how I feel about my IMD MBA experience – constantly being pushed to excel by the ambitious and intelligent peers around me.
Exploring Switzerland over the weekend offers a mosaic of experiences. For instance, the Cully Jazz Festival, combined with an IMD alumni event in a quaint wine town, provided an excellent opportunity to blend leisure with networking with fellow EMBAs in the most enjoyable of ways.
Beyond the IMD campus, I have also immersed myself in the rich cultural tapestry of Europe. I love the art community we have formed in our cohort that shares a passion for art galleries and aesthetic beauty. Enhancing my appreciation of Western art has been another form of learning, enriching my understanding of beauty and aesthetic knowledge.
At the Morges Tulip Festival, I almost lost myself in a sea of color, and the pottery and ceramics bazaar provided a unique chance to delve into local craftsmanship. Comparing ceramic works from regions such as Jingdezhen in China and Meissen in Germany has deepened my appreciation for global artistic traditions and the unique interpretations each culture brings to the table.
On a trip to the Geneva Watches and Wonders exhibition, I had the chance to catch up with former colleagues who were also visiting the event. Our discussions, enriched by reflections on my leadership growth and key takeaways from my MBA studies, were pivotal in deepening my understanding of leadership.
On the weekend marking the end of Module 2, I visited the Camille Bloch chocolate factory with an Indonesian classmate and her family, who were visiting. During the tour, I was amazed at how much I could relate what I learned about strategy, finance, marketing, and supply chain management to the operations of the chocolate business. The knowledge gained in the classroom is seamlessly integrating into my practical understanding.
This journey at IMD is more than just an education – it’s a life-changing adventure where every day offers a new opportunity to grow, connect, and explore.
Academic learning, managerial skills to move from a functional manager to a general manager, and cross-cultural friendships form the core of my IMD MBA studies, and the learning I have gained outside the IMD campus has been equally transformative. As I navigate through this program, I am gathering invaluable insights and friendships that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I’m eager to find out where Module 3 will take me!
